Travel blogs are of great help when it comes to planning a vacation. They have a touch of professionalism in all the details they provide yet they have an informal and personal feel in the experiences they share. However, not all travel blogs are worth reading. A few only have rehashed content making them very shallow guides.
There are certain characteristics that make the best travel blog. We’ve listed the features of the top-rated ones so that you can use them to make your pick.
1. Engaging Content -
It appears to be the obvious; however, it is a tough criterion to fulfill. The content should be creative, informative and original. It should also be different. If your blog offers the same content that other blogs and travel websites have to offer, they will move on. Content should be on various topics namely travel tips, travel experiences, news and travel technology.
2. Up-To-Date -
The tourism industry is time-sensitive and as such the information tends to change periodically. Hence, it is important that review the information listed on your website from time to time and update it to match the latest changes. It includes information on pricing, visiting hours, programs offered at tourist sites and the likes. Make sure you verify the information that you post on your blog. Not only this, great blogs are those that add fresh content regularly.
3. A Bunch of Links -
Whether they are links to airline booking sites, hotel websites or comparison sites, it is very convenient to have them embedded in the text. Readers can get more travel related information by simply clicking on a link.
4. Photos and Videos -
Media files like photos and videos support your content; they are what complete your blog. Photographs of travel destinations, culinary delights and personal sneak-peeks give readers an opportunity to plan their vacation based on your experiences. It also attracts them to read to the end of your blog.
5. Reader Generated Content -
Including a section wherein readers can contribute their two pence on travel tips and insider insights will also earn your blog more readers. This is because the real shared experiences of other fellow travelers add a touch of originality to your blog.
6. Maps -
In addition to the discussion forums and photo albums, a few destination maps are always a welcome addition. Maps are a must when one goes travelling and it is a better if they can print and use them offline. You can also integrate it will Google Maps so that travelers can plot their trip on the map.
7. A Good Blog Design -
In the bid to create an attractive and engaging design, we often end up with extremely gaudy and complicated blog templates and designs. Choose an eye-catching, simple design, but don’t make it too complex.
8. Easy-to-Use Interface -
It should feature an intuitive interface. There should be too many instructions to follow and pop ups to get through before they get to read what they want.
9. Mobile Compatibility -
We live in an age of smartphones and hence it is important that most travel blogs and websites be optimized for mobile platforms. If your blog does not load on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets there is a likelihood readers won’t revisit.